VSU plays host to Azalea City Trail Groundbreaking

Groundbreaking Ceremony for new Azalea City Trail June
17

The Valdosta-Lowndes Recreation, Parks and Community Affairs
Department broke ground today for a new multi-use trail at an 11
a.m. ceremony on Valdosta State University's campus. Planning for
the Azalea City Trail began seven years ago with discussions
concerning the need for safe, off-street travel and exercise. Set
to be completed within six months, the new 2.7 mile trail will run
from the Craig Center to the Vallotton Youth Complex.

"As Valdosta grows it is ever more important for us to ensure that
we keep and create outdoor spaces for our citizens as well as
provide innovative means for transportation," said Mayor John J.
Fretti. "At it's completion, the trail will provide a safe,
off-street location where citizens can walk, jog, skate, cycle and
push a stroller to their destination while reducing vehicular
traffic and becoming healthier in the process." The Department of
Transportation awarded $759,000 in funding for the trail through a
Transportation Equity Act funding program with the remainder coming
from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds. The City of
Valdosta applied for DOT funding and was approved in 1999. The
trail connects several traffic generators in a line that roughly
follows the One Mile Branch creek through Valdosta. The trail links
parks, schools, community centers, public and student housing and
Valdosta State University, all of which come together to produce
increased traffic in a finite area. A total of 16 different linkage
points were identified and their connection fulfilled the
Department of Transportation's mission to fund effective
alternative transportation.

The paved trail will be about 12 feet in width and is designed to
accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians and skaters. The trail
will also feature information signs throughout as well as benches
and places to rest.

"We've had a lot of input during the planning process and that has
helped to ensure this trail will be enjoyed by everyone," said Eric
Hahn, Assistant Director, Valdosta-Lowndes Recreation, Parks and
Community Affairs.

The route was chosen with the help of a steering committee that
represented each of the four districts the trail passes through, as
well as with input from interest groups like walkers, cyclists and
senior citizens.

"Many individuals and organizations have come together for this
project. Because of their hard work and vision, our citizens can
enjoy the high quality of life they deserve," Said Fretti. "The
Azalea City Trail is truly a welcome component to a City that is a
great place to live, work and play."

For more information contact the Valdosta-Lowndes Recreation, Parks
and Community Affairs Department at (229) 259-3507.